Excerpt: The USDA announced Thursday it is awarding $44.6 million through its Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership to support 10 wetland enhancement projects in Iowa and 11 other states.

The $3 million awarded to Iowa is being used to create wetlands covering 580 acres in the headwaters of the Iowa and Cedar rivers. It’s designed to improve water quality and reduce downstream flooding, among its benefits, said Ryan Harr, a private lands biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.

This award from the USDA will allow land-owners across the state to do their part to ensure a cleaner environment and represents a shared commitment to better water quality for generations to come.